Braille print

Tactile print of study materials

This service is primarily intended for use of MU students and teachers dealing with visual impairment; they are also its priority recipients. If there is interest and our capacities are available, the service can be extended outside MU.

  • Considering procedure, tactile print is the last step in a series of processes: digitization> adjustments to text and its adaptation > Braille typesetting > tactile print.
  • The organization of procuring a tactile print is similar to that of digitization (the print is prepared based on consultations with both teacher and student, in a time frame appropriate for its extent and character).
  • The technology used in printing study materials is based on simultaneous printing of ink and Braille; it is printed by electronic Braille embossers, on both sides of a special Braille paper (separate sheets of paper weighing 135 g/m2) in the A4 format, which is then bound in plastic (in a form that can be disassembled); as to the Braille printing itself, the national Braille norm appropriate to the particular language version of the document is always respected, as is the possible national form for its content (e.g. special mathematical notation).
  • If the materials printed are linked to studies at MU, and they are only loaned to the student, the service is provided free of charge; if the print is to remain in the student’s possession, or it is provided for public outside MU, charges apply (see Price list).

Other tactile print on paper

This service is provided both inside and outside the university, based on interest and availability of resources. It concerns mainly promotional materials (business cards with tactile print, pamphlets, flyers etc.) and small editions of fiction.

  • The procedure is the same as in the previously discussed printing.
  • Various forms of the combination of ink and Braille are on offer (see gallery).
  • Based on its function, the print may differ from standard tactile prints.
  • Charges apply for this type of service. Commissions are accepted based on consultation with the staff of the Library and Publishing Section.

Tactile print with non-standard materials and formats

The demand for Braille print is variegated (it includes vending machine stickers, information and direction signs etc.), which is why we offer tactile print on other materials than the standard Braille paper:

  • laminated paper,
  • transparent or colour foil up to ca. 200 μm thickness (based on the chemical makeup of the foil),
  • plastic plates of minimum 1.5 mm thickness,
  • (rarely) aluminium plates of 1.5 mm thickness.
The material chosen determines the technology used in printing.
More
For more details about Braille, its principles and Braille typesetting see website Tactile printing.